Tottenham Hotspur have been told to address an 'issue' with developing young players in their academy, coming after a 'disappointing' call by the Lilywhites hierarchy.

The Lowdown: Starlets remain...

In the final weeks of the summer transfer window, Spurs were unable to send many of their rising stars out on loan to gain much-needed experience of regular senior football.

Nile John, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and former England under-18 international Harvey White stand out as the most exciting young players who will remain at Hotspur Way rather than sealing a temporary move away to the Football League.

The opposite can be said of Dane Scarlett, who is currently dazzling on loan at Portsmouth in League One, with the Premier League club being told to address this 'issue' and allow more of their starlets to leave temporarily in search of first-team minutes.

The Latest: Kenny criticises 'disappointing' Spurs decision...

Speaking to Football Insider, former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that Tottenham's decision to keep some of these youngsters is a 'disappointing' one.

He explained: “These players need to go out and play men’s football, first-team football. They need to play twice a week, Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday.

“They need to know the level they need to be at just to play League One or League Two level. It’s disappointing that Tottenham have stopped those players from going out because it is hampering their development.

“It’s something they need to address, you can’t have these kids just sat around because they aren’t going to improve.

“They will improve by going out and playing men’s football at that young age, getting that experience as well. Something needs to change there.”

The Verdict: Correct?

As highlighted by Scarlett's form on the south coast, where he has struck four goals in 12 games, it's arguably imperative that these players get a chance to ply their trade at senior level as soon as possible, even in lower divisions.

For instance, White enjoyed a productive spell on loan at Portsmouth himself over 2020/21 but hasn't been given a senior opportunity since, remaining in limbo and arguably ready for a bigger challenge than Premier League 2 football.

Tottenham's academy has been renowned for producing fine players in recent years, including 'future Spurs captain' Oliver Skipp, and the club may well have other players of that ilk just waiting for their chance at proper match action.